How can I not read a book called Summer Romance when it’s summertime? I’ve heard great things about Annabel Monaghan, so I was really excited to read this book. Today I want to talk about this book and what I thought!
A big thank you to Netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the eARC to read and review. This doesn’t influence my opinion in any way.
Benefits of a summer romance: it’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.
There aren’t enough labeled glass containers to contain the mess that is Ali Morris’s life. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember. She’s a professional organizer whose pantry is a disgrace.
No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her in the same way he claimed his favorite of her three children: by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. The last thing Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little Summer Romance. Is there?
Review
Summer Romance isn’t just a romance and I appreciated that so much about this book. This was my first book by Annabel Monaghan and won’t be my last. She knew how to get me attached to these characters and hit me in all the feels. I would definitely recommend this one as a book to read out on the beach or when curled up on a rainy day!
Our main character Ali is a professional organizer, but definitely doesn’t feel that way about her own life. After losing her mother, who was her best friend, and her husband divorcing her, she’s happy when she keeps everything going for her kids. Things start to change for her after a surprise encounter at the dog park when her dog tried peeing on a very attractive man.
Ethan ends up being more than just a romance for Ali though. Besides slowing letting herself feel again, Ali finds a while new side of herself. I love seeing her start to believe in herself again, speak up for what she deserves and wants, and to just find happiness. The romance between these two wasn’t completely easy and had some bumps in the road, but it worked. They both felt like real people with their flaws, but they loved each other and wanted to make it work.
All in all, Summer Romance was a heartwarming story with a sweet romance, great character development, and amazing side characters!
Summer Romance definitely will not be my last book by Annabel Monaghan. Have you read anything by this author? If so, what did you think? If not, what are some of your favorite summer books? Let me know in the comments. I’d love to hear from you!
